Tunisia Energy Situation

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Tunisia

Capital:

Tunis

Region:

Coordinates:

34.0000° N, 9.0000° E

Total Area (km²): It includes a country's total area, including areas under inland bodies of water and some coastal waterways.

163,610

Population: It is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship--except for refugees not permanently settled in the country of asylum, who are generally considered part of the population of their country of origin.

12,200,431 (2023)

Rural Population (% of total population): It refers to people living in rural areas as defined by national statistical offices. It is calculated as the difference between total population and urban population.

29 (2023)

GDP (current US$): It is the sum of gross value added by all resident producers in the economy plus any product taxes and minus any subsidies not included in the value of the products. It is calculated without making deductions for depreciation of fabricated assets or for depletion and degradation of natural resources.

48,529,595,417 (2023)

GDP Per Capita (current US$): It is gross domestic product divided by midyear population

3,977.70 (2023)

Access to Electricity (% of population): It is the percentage of population with access to electricity.

100.00 (2022)

Energy Imports Net (% of energy use): It is estimated as energy use less production, both measured in oil equivalents. A negative value indicates that the country is a net exporter. Energy use refers to use of primary energy before transformation to other end-use fuels, which is equal to indigenous production plus imports and stock changes, minus exports and fuels supplied to ships and aircraft engaged in international transport.

36.20 (2014)

Fossil Fuel Energy Consumption (% of total): It comprises coal, oil, petroleum, and natural gas products.

88.87 (2014)

Source: World Bank

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Introduction

Tunisia is a small country located in Northern Africa sharing borders with Algeria and Libya. The country entails the Northern reaches of the Sahara desert and the Eastern end of the Atlas Mountains and has a Mediterranean coast. Therefore, the country has a bright diversity on climate and biosphere.

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Energy Situation

Since 1990, the Tunisian primary energy consumption has increased in a roughly linear way, with approximately 4500 ktoe in 1990, 6700 ktoe in 2000 and 8300 ktoe in 2010 (without biomass). As shown in Figure 1, the sharpest increase is to be noticed in the gas sector, which represented 55 % of the primary energy supply in 2012. As a result of this, the share of oil, including crude oil and petroleum products, has slightly decreased. The share of coal and peat has always been minimal and by now reached zero.  The amount of biofuel and waste slightly increased (58 PJ in 2011), and currently represents 15 % of the primary energy supply. In 2014, primary energy consumption was about 9200 ktoe[1] (i.e. 107 000 GWh or 385 PJ), without biomass.

Figure 1[2]

Energy Data

Primary Energy Consumption

Total Primary Energy Consumption in 2014[3]* (without biomass, PV, SWH, process heat, self-consumption of oil fields, consumption of natural gas pipeline compressor stations)
Energy Source	in ktoe	in GWh	in PJ	in %
Crude Oil and Oil Products (2014)*	4232	49218	177185	46%
Natural Gas (2014)*	4876	56708	204148	53%
Electricity from Renewables (2014)*	92	3852	1070	1%
SUBTOTAL (2014)*	9200	106996	385186	100%
Biomass (2011)	1,390		58
Geothermal, Solar etc. (2011)	9		0.38

(*) Data not yet officially published

Energy balance, import and export

Tunisia's energy production, consumption and import/export balance in 2012[4]
	Crude Oil  (ktoe)	Natural Gas (ktoe)
Total Production	3522	2563
Imports	1139	2480
Exports	-2741	-0
Total consumption	1946	5043
% of net imported resources in the total consumption	69	49

[4] http://www.iea.org/statistics/statisticssearch/report/?year=2012&country=TUNISIA&product=Balances

As shown in Figure 2, the Tunisian energy situation has drastically changed in the last two decades. As a result of the economic development, primary energy demand has risen in a significantly steeper way than production. Consumption nearly doubled within 20 years between 1992 and 2012 from 4500 ktoe to 8500 ktoe. Between 1990 and 2000, consumption increased at a rate of 6.2%/year. Between 2000 and 2005, demand grew by 4.6%/year and between 2005 and 2009, annual demand growth slowed to 3.7%, mainly due to energy efficiency measures[5].  In 2014, primary energy consumption was 9200 ktoe (without biomass), of which 46% was provided by oil products, 53% was provided by natural gas and 1% by renewable energies[6].

Oil production decreased between 1980 and 2012 from 120,000 to 67,000 barrels per day. Gas production, however, increased from 20 billion cubic feet in the early 1980s to 68 billion cubic feet in 2012. An overall increase in domestic primary energy production from 5400 ktoe in 1900 to 7000 ktoe in 2012 could not follow the sharp rise in demand.

As a result of the consumption/production unbalanced illustrated in Figure 2, Tunisia, a net energy exporter until 2000, became a net importer. In 2014, 49% of natural gas consumption (2300 ktoe) was covered by domestic production. The remaining 51% (2400 ktoe) was imported from Algeria[7].

[5] http://www.iisd.org/gsi/sites/default/files/fossil-fuel-subsidies-renewable-energy-middle-east-north-african-countri%20%20%20.pdf

[6] Bureau des statistiques, Ministère de l‘Industrie

[7] Ibid.

[Figure 2[8]]

[8] ANME Maîtrise de l'Energie en Tunisie - Chiffres Clés, p18

Becoming a net importer is coupled with rising energy prices since the mid-2000s (natural gas is today 8 times more expensive than it was in 2000) and a weak national currency (Dinar, TND) (2010: 1.8 TND=1.0 €; 2012: 2.0 TND=1.0 €; 2015:2.2 TND=1.0 €). Thus expenses for energy represented 13.7% of GDP in 2012 − with expenses on energy import representing 16.8% of the global imports[9].

[9] http://www.leaders.com.tn/article/11353-la-tunisie-sera-t-elle-capable-d-arreter-l-hemorragie-des-subventions

Subsidies

The energy sector is heavily subsidised in Tunisia. Subsidies for natural gas as well as electricity started a sharp increase in the early 2000s.  In 2012, energy subsidies represented 20% of the government budget. In 2012, energy subsidies amounted to 5600 million TND (3100 million EUR), i.e. 20% of public budget or 9% of GDP. Whereas energy subsidies only represented 3% of GDP in 2005. This rise in subsidies is not sustainable for the state and has several negative effects on public spending such as a decreased budget for public investments[10]. Subsidizing procedures remain non-transparent. The subsidy system is composed of indirect and direct subsidies. Indirect subsidies are to the difference between supply costs of crude oil and gas for the State, and the selling prices to the two public operators STIR for oil and STEG for natural gas. Direct subsidies are subsidies made ​​directly by the State to STIR and STEG in order to offset their deficits[11].  

As for electricity, average retail prices (0.14 TND/kWh in 2012) are significantly lower than average production costs for the State (0.26 TND/kWh in 2012). The discrepancies between average production cost and average retail price are even larger for natural gas[12].

[10] Présentation Déjeuner-Débat du 24 Mars 2014, Rafik Missaoui

[11] Ibid.

[12] Ibid.

Renewable Energy

Currently, renewable energy plays a minor role in the energy supply.The use of solar energy for thermal purposes is widespread in Tunisia and can be regarded as a success story. Since its launch in 2005, the ANME program “PROSOL THERMIQUE”, meant to promote the installation of solar water heaters, has led to an installed capacity of 487853 m^2 in 2012[13].

Regarding grid-connected renewables, the total installed capacity of renewable energy was an estimated of 312 MW in 2014 (245 MW of wind energy, 62 MW of hydropower and 15 MW of PV), that was 6% of the total capacity[14]. In terms of electricity production this meant in 2013 3% of this an annual production: 2.6% (357.8 GWh) from wind turbines and 0.4% (60.1 GWh) from hydropower[15].

There are two large wind parks in Tunisia, both operated by state utility STEG, one in the region of Bizerte in Metline and Kechabta  with a capacity of 190 MW operational since 2012; and one in the region of Sidi Daoud, with a capacity of 55 MW, built in 3 phases between 2000and 2009[16].

 

As for photovoltaics, there was a total capacity of 15 MW as of early 2015, mostly small-scale private installations most of whose capacity ranges between 1 kW and 10 kW. In low voltage, in the residential sector the capacities range from 1 kW to 17 kW and in the commercial sector capacities are between 10 and 30 kW. In medium voltage, capacities in commercial sector range between 25 and 100 kW[17]. As of early 2015, there were only three operational PV installations with a capacity of at least 100 kW: a 149 kWp installation in Sfax[18], a 211 kWp installation operated by the Tunisian potable water supply company SONEDE and a 100 kWp installation in the region of Korba[19], both connected to the medium voltage, and realized by Tunisian installer companies.

The first large scale solar power plant of a 10MW capacity, co-financed by KfW and NIF (Neighbourhood Investment Facility) and implemented by STEG, is due 2018 in Tozeur.[20]

Regarding the off-grid use of renewable energies, 11,000 decentralised PV systems have been installed[21].A new law on renewable energies currently discussed at the Parliament, might help for a stronger intake on the market, if the indispensable guidelines on regulation and on project financing are met.

[13] GIZ, Le marché solaire thermique en Tunisie. Situation actuelle et perspectives (2013). Christopher Gross.

[14] Bureau des statistiques, Ministère de l‘Industrie

[15] http://www.oitsfax.org/files/AApresentationHDR20140323.pdf

[16] http://www.oitsfax.org/files/AApresentationHDR20140323.pdf

[17] GIZ – RE-ACTIVATE

[18] GIZ, Enabling PV

[19] https://energypedia.info/images/a/a2/COMPTE_RENDU_Modes_de_Financement.pdf

[20] Secretariat of the German-Tunisian Energy Partnership

[21] GIZ, Enabling PV

Electricity

Installed Capacity and Generation

The installed capacity was of 4,799 MW in 2014[22] ‒ with the biggest share (4,492 MW/94%) provided by natural gas fired thermal power stations. The 6% left are divided between hydroelectric power (62 MW as of 2014) and wind generating plants (245 MW as of 2014[23]). Electricity is generated almost exclusively from combustible fossil fuels: 93 % natural gas, 7 % heavy fuel and a tiny share left to renewables (3% in 2013[24]).

In 2014, the state-owned company, STEG, remained the major electricity producer, supplying 86% of the demand, followed by an IPP, CPC (Carthage Power Company) which produced 10% of the consumed electricity. The last 4% are produced by small scale producers for their own needs (e.g. industries).  

 

Installed power plant capacity in MW (excluding small scale PV)[25]

Type of Power Plant	2013	2014*	Share 2014 (%)
Thermal (steam) power plant	1.040	1.040	24
Combined-cycle gas turbine	789	1.209	28
Gas turbine	1.772	1.779	41
Hydropower	62	62	1
Wind power	245	245	6
STEG total	3.908	4.335	100
IPPs	471	471	-
Total capacity, national	4.379	4.806	-

(*)Data not yet officially published

Consumption

In Tunisia the industrial sector is the largest energy consumer (see beneath).

Electricity consumption of individual sectors in 2013[26]
	GWh	%
Industry	4,909	63
Transport & communication	311	4
Tourism	567	7
Service	891	11
Agricultural pump sets	556	7
Pumping stations (water, sanitation service)	563	7
'Total'1	7,797	100

¹Total may not add up due to rounding.

The gas consumption has marked a steep increase (5,344 Ktep in 2013) and 72.5% of its production is used for electricity consumption, 7.1% for the industry sector and 20% for the residential and tertiary sectors.

Grid

STEG controls the Tunisian grid and holds a monopoly on electricity transportation and distribution. The grid has three voltages: high (225 kV), medium (150 kV) and low (90 kV). 99.5% of the households have had an access to electricity since 2006.  

The transmission grid is connected to the Algerian grid and, on its Eastern end, to Libya. Regional grid synchronization tests with the participation of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt have been carried out but failed so far due to frequent synchronization issues with the Egyptian grid. Furthermore, a 400 kV high voltage sea cable with a capacity of 1,000 MW binding North Africa to Europe via Tunisia and Italy is currently discussed[27].

Grid losses are primarily due to maintenance or other incidents. Along with the prolonging of the transmission grid, losses have risen in 2012 it represented 2,735 GWh[28]. The growing economy of Tunisia and rise of living standards contributed to a significant increase in the electricity consumption leading to ever more often grid saturation. In addition, some power plants and facilities are out-dated and can no longer cope with the actual load of the network; hence, overload, losses and high voltage drops occur on a regular basis. To address these issues, the »Electricity Distribution Network Rehabilitation and Restructuring Project« has been launched, this should improve the reliability and safety of electricity distribution.

Electricity Prices

General low voltage as of February 2015. https://www.steg.com.tn/fr/clients_ind/tarifs_bt.html

The Tunisian electricity tariff system is complex, subsidized and cross-subsidized. On the general low voltage, tariffs depend on the sector of the consumer (residential or non-residential) and the consumption per month in kWh. Tariffs are most heavily subsidized for households whose monthly consumption is below 50, 100 and 200 kWh. These households pay 0.075 TND [0.034 EUR], 0.108 TND [0.049 EUR] and 0.140 TND [0.064 EUR] for each kWh consumed. Households whose consumption surpasses 200 kWh per month have to pay 0.151 TND (0.069 €)/kWh for the first 200 kWh, 0.184 TND (0.084 €)/kWh for the following 100 kWh, 0.280 TND (0.13 €)/kWh for the following 200 kWh, and 0.350 TND (0.16 €) for each kWh above 500 kWh/month. Production costs are thus more than covered in the tranches 301-500 kWh/month and 500+ kWh/month.

Voltage level / medium voltage

  https://www.steg.com.tn/fr/clients_ind/tarifs_mt.html

There are three to four tariff slots depending on the sector and on the day time. Prices range from 0.088 TND/kWh (0.040 €) to 0.238 TND/kWh (0.109 €). The subsidies no longer apply to cement producers which have paid electricity to its real cost since 2014 (cheapest slot: 0.129 TND (0.059 €)/kWh, most expensive slot 0.311 TND (0.142€)/kWh).

Voltage level / High voltage  https://www.steg.com.tn/fr/clients_ind/tarifs_ht.htmlThis represents a tiny share of the market, with only a handsome of subscribers. There are four tariff slots and prices range between 0.111 TND (0.051€)/kWh and 0.233 TND (0.106€)/kWh).

[22] Bureau des statistiques, Ministère de l’Industrie

[23] http://www.anme.nat.tn/fileadmin/user1/doc/DEP/Rapport_final__PST.pdf

[24] http://www.oitsfax.org/files/AApresentationHDR20140323.pdf

[25] Bureau des statistiques, Ministère de l‘Industrie

[26] STEG, Rapport annuel 2013

[27] http://www.terna.it/default/home_en/the_company/about_terna/terna_group_abroad/growth_abroad/elmed_project.aspx

[28] http://www.iea.org/statistics/statisticssearch/report/?year=2012&country=TUNISIA&product=ElectricityandHeat

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Energy Policy

General Information

National energy policies are divided into four fundamental axes: (1) energy efficiency; (2) development of renewable energies; (3) exploration of conventional and unconventional resources; (4) and diversification of energy sources.

The results of the National Energy Debate that was carried out between June 2013 and June 2014 by the Ministry of Industry and Energy, reflect the countries energy strategy.

Exploration and exploitation of conventional and unconventional fossil resources are carried on in order to address the demand and limit importations. Generally speaking, diversity should help protecting Tunisia from the international prices volatility and reduce its import dependency.

As for unconventional resources, exploring shale gas potentials is an intensively discussed subject in Tunisia. Shale gas is seen as a potential solution to solve out the current energy deficit, a study carried out in 2011 highlighted  the strong Tunisian potential for shale gas. Technical, ecological and economic feasibility must be deeper analysed: therefore, a feasibility study and a profitability analysis must be carried out in the foreseeable future. A first step was taken early 2015 with the launching of a large-scale Strategic Environment Assessment for unconventional fossil resources.

Nuclear power was regarded as possibly implementable in Tunisia, yet more and more cons have shown up along the way i.e. high investment costs, incompatibility with the current electric park and safety issues. The idea of developing nuclear in Tunisia was thus put aside.

The potential of coal as a mean of diversification is currently under investigation. At first, it seems to have some hard-hitting pros (e.g. low and stable cost, easy to import and widespread on earth). A feasibly study is still to be carried out, given the needed know-how and technology, coal may only be an option after 2024.

In order to reduce its dependency from Algerian gas, Tunisia needs to diversify its electric mix and extend its interconnections. A gas interconnection with Italy already exists (“Gazoduc”), currently being used to transport Algerian gas to Europe. However this interconnection may be used for imports in future. An electric interconnection with Italy with a 400 kV submarine cable is currently being considered. It may be used for import and export in the future: complementary daily and annual production and consumption profiles of North Africa and Europe can create synergies.

Furthermore, there is a strong need for institutional and budget reforms in the energy sector since the current situation drastically differs from the one 20 years ago. Some of its aspects such as subsidies have become a burden hindering a further development of the whole sector. In November 2014, the Industry Minister M. Ben Naceur called for a drastic reduction for the year 2015. Subsidies should decrease from 1.3 billion Euros (2.7 billion TND) to 0.9 billion Euros (1.96 billion TND) in order to use the saved money in investment projects[29]. In 2014, energy prices were raised by approximately 10% in total in order to reduce subsidies. By June 2014, electricity price subsidies for cement producers’ were completely phased out.

Forecasts from the ANME expected the consumption to double by 2030 without implementation of a comprehensive action, therefore energy efficiency should be further strengthened. Measures since 2000 have brought results: Tunisia has reduced its energy intensity by 20%[30].

[29] http://directinfo.webmanagercenter.com/2014/11/30/tunisie-une-augmentation-attendue-de-7-des-prix-de-lelectricite-et-du-gaz-en-2015/

[30] Brochure 30/30. Stratégie Nationale de maîtrise de l‘énergie. Objectifs, moyens et enjeux. GIZ, juin 2014.

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Renewable energy & energy efficiency policies

Strategies and Objectives for Renewable Energies

Energy efficiency and renewable energies have been important topics in major publication over the last decade. The law No. 2004-72 on the rational use of energy defines wise use of energy as a national priority and as the most important element of a sustainable development policy. It states three principal goals: energy saving, renewable energy promotion and creation of new forms of energy, that favour costs’ reduction as well as the National economy and the environment.

The Tunisian Solar Plan, a renewable energy development plan elaborated by the ANME but not officially adopted by parliament or government, foresees a 30% share of renewables in the electricity mix by 2030. This corresponds to an additional totally capacity of 3 GW and an overall investment of 4.75 billion euro.[33] Figure 3 shows the development goals by technology.

The Tunisian Solar Plan was updated in 2014, and a new update is planned for 2015.

 

[Figure 3]

The National Energy Conservation Action Plan[34] consists of three phases: (1) awareness raising, first concrete and grass-root actions were taken under two programs, (2000-2013) that contributed to an annual decrease of 2% in energy intensity; (2) continued implementation and voluntary investment via the mobilization of industry, construction and transport (audits, cogeneration, lighting, household appliances, buildings, transport); (3) implementation of large scale projects in order to reach the 30-30 goals ‒ 30% of electricity shall be produced by renewable sources by 2030 ‒ (2020-2030).

The Action Plan also foresees an independent regulator in the electricity market.

Legal Conditions and Support Schemes for Renewable Energies

 

For more info, see https://energypedia.info/wiki/Analysis_of_the_Regulatory_Framework_for_Renewable_Energy_in_Tunisiav

Support schemes that promote the implementation of renewable energies and energy efficiency measures available in Tunisia are twofold: direct financial incentives and tax incentives. Capital subsidies and grants (allocated by the Energy Transition Fund FTE or the national utility STEG) are available. Support is also available for energy audits and implementation of energy efficiency measures. Tax incentives for energy conservation and renewable energy projects include customs tariff concessions for renewable energy and energy efficiency equipment, and VAT exemptions and concessions for locally manufactured products for energy efficiency or renewable energies[35]. However, regulatory conditions may change in 2015 since a new law on renewable energies is expected to be adopted by parliament before the summer 2015. It is meant to open the energy market to competition, including investors. This law entails three key aspects:

• A national Energy plan shall be designed within the next 5 years.
• 11 implementing rules shall be written within 6 months following the vote. They are mean to precise the following aspect of the law: procedures, creation and implementation of an independent regulator (structure and dutties).

The “feed-in tariffs” shall be determined by the Minister of Industry.

 

As of today electricity generation condition remain unchanged and are the following: STEG  holds a monopoly in various areas of the electricity sector including transmission, distribution, marketing and the purchase and sale of electricity.

In terms of electricity generation, on the other hand, the regulatory and institutional framework governing electricity production has been opened up to the private sector. STEG no longer holds a monopoly in the strict sense of the term because the market is now open to:

1. Independent Power Producers (IPP);

Since it does not exclude any particular energy source, the IPP scheme (Law No. 96-27) can theoretically be transferred to renewable energies. In reality, however, only two (non-renewable) IPPs have been realized in Tunisia between 1996 (the adoption of the IPP scheme) and 2015[36]: Carthage Power Company (480 MW), Société d’El Bibane (SEEB, 27 MW).

 2. Autoproduction/ Net Metering

This scheme is currently open only to producers whose principal activity is related to an existing industrial, agricultural or tertiary business. As such, it does not provide development opportunities for a third party developer with no link to the producer.

3. PROSOL Thermique

The PROSOL programme of 1995 realized 300 m² solar water heaters (SWH) thanks to GEF (Global Environment Fund) funding. In 2004 the PROSOL programme was relaunched with the help of the Italian government and UNEP. It combines a tax incentive mechanism, an investment subsidy and a credit via STEG. The residential sector has seen very rapid growth in the installation of SWH installations (increasing from 12m²/10,000 inhabitants in 2004 to 40m²/10,000 inhabitants in 2010).[37]

 4. PROSOL-ELEC[38]</u>

PROSOL-ELEC is a promotion scheme for small-scale (1 or 2 kWp) photovoltaic installations inspired by the PROSOL programme.

PROSOL ELEC, which was launched in 2010, contributed to the installation of a total PV capacity of 6 MWp until 2014.[39]

[33] http://www.anme.nat.tn/fileadmin/user1/doc/DEP/Rapport_final__PST.pdf

[34] http://maghrenov.eu/file/download/2878/Strategie+Nationale+de+Maitrise+de+l%27Energie_web.pdf

[35] http://www.unep.fr/shared/docs/publications/RE_GSR_2009_Update.pdf

[36] Cécile Cessac, Analyse du cadre réglementaire de l’accès au réseau des producteurs d’électricité à partir des énergies renouvelables en Tunisie.

[37] Ibid.

[38] https://www.steg.com.tn/fr/prosol_elec/presentation.html

[39] https://energypedia.info/wiki/Enabling_PV_in_the_MENA_Region

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Key actors in the Energy Sector

Governmental Bodies and Agencies

DGE (Direction Générale de l’Energie, Directorate-General for Energy) is a sub-department of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines. It is designed to conceive, coordinate and implement the national energy policy and to draft energy action plans and energy management programs.

STEG (Société Tunisienne de l’Electricité et du Gaz, Tunisian Company for Electricity and Gas) is the national energy producer, TSO and supplier. The STEG was created by law 62-8 in 1962[1].

ETAP (Entreprise Tunisienne des Activités Pétrolières, Tunisian Refining Industry Company). Created in 1972, this stated-owned company plans oil and gas explorations and manage this national gas and petroleum wealth[2].

ANME (Agence Nationale de la Maîtrise de l’Energie, National Agency for Energy Management). Created in 1985, this agency specialised in energy management supports the Industry Ministry along the energy transition[3].

AGIL (Société Nationale de Distribution des Pétroles, National Company of Oil Distribution) shares the oil distribution market with some private companies (s.a. Total, Shell, BP, etc.)[4].

Fond de Tranisition Energétique (Energy Transition Fund, FTE), until 2014 Fond National de Maîtrise de l’Energie (National Fund for Energy Management), created in 2005, it helps ANME to provide renewable projects with a financial support (among other subsidies)

STEG Energies Renouvelables, created in 2010, this is a branch of the Tunisian Company for Electricity and Gas fully devoted to renewable energies[5].

Utilities

STEG is the national utility, monopoly.

Others

Currently only two IPP generate electricity:

1. Carthage Power Company (CPC): Radès II Power Station (natural gas fired plant, total capacity 480 MW) started operation in 2002 under the terms of a build own operate (BOO) agreement and by 2010 was responsible for 21% of national production.[6]
2. Societe d’Electricite d’El Bibane (SEEB): Tunisia’s second IPP, two 13.5 MW gas turbines that went online in 2003.[7]

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[1] https://www.steg.com.tn/fr/index.html

[2] http://www.etap.com.tn/

[3] www.anme.nat.tn/

[4] http://www.agil.com.tn/

[5] http://www.steg-er.com.tn/

[6] http://www.carthagepower.com.tn/en/rades.php

[7] http://www.industcards.com/cc-tunisia.htm

Energy Cooperation

Bilateral Energy Cooperation with Germany

See also: German-Tunisian Energy Partnership and DMS

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Rural Electrification

According to estimates by the state-owned utility company STEG, the degree of electrification for Tunisia as a whole was 99.5 % in 2012. In rural areas the electrification accounted for 98.9%. Grid coverage is poorest in the southeast of the country. The high connection rate is the result of constant efforts by the government over the past 30 years. In the 1970s, only 6 % of the rural population were connected to the power grid, while around 1990 the figure was still only about 50 %. As a complementary measure along with the expansion of the grid, the installation of more than 11,000 decentralised PV systems has also played a part in the high electrification rates.

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[1] Bureau des statistiques, Ministère de l’Industrie

[2] Quelle : ANME Maîtrise de l'Energie en Tunisie - Chiffres Clés, p19

Market Actors

• Ministry of Industry and Energy (Ministère de l’Industrie, de l’Energie et des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises; TMIE); CSPIE and CIPIE
• National Agency for Energy Management (Agence Nationale pour la Maîtrise del’Énergie - ANME)
• Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (Société Tunisienne d’Electricité et du Gaz – STEG)
• Tunis International Centre for Environmental Technologies (Centre International des Technologies de l’Environment - CITET)
• Mediterranean Renewable Energy Centre (MEDREC)

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Political Framework Conditions in the Energy Sector

The documentation of energy policy is dominated by energy efficiency and renewable energies over the last decades. Efficiency and renewables are the dominant topics in all major publications. Therefore the following chapter on the political framework conditions for energy focuses on these topics. Law No. 2004-72 on the rational use of energy defines the sensible use of energy as a national priority and as the most important element of a sustainable development policy. It states three principal goals: energy saving, the promotion of renewable energy and the substitution of forms of energy previously used, wherever this offers technical, economic and ecological benefits. Since 2005 with the adoption of above mentioned law and the creation of a national energy fund (subject of Law N° 2005-106) Tunisia set the political framework to increase energy efficiency and develop renewable energy sources. Decarbonisation of the energy sector and a decoupling of economic growth and GHG emissions occurred. Moderated primary energy demand growth of 2.8 % per year and the increase of the renewable share towards 4 % of the consumption until 2011 were the key measures to reduce GHG emissions in the energy sector. In 2009 the ANME described the energy policy in the context of the international efforts to reduce GHG emissions in a detailed development guide. ANME aims at the production of energy from natural gas to reduce energy sector emissions. Between 2008 and 2010 contract based programs in the industrial sector, roll-out of fluorescent energy saving lamps in the residential sector, the certification of electric appliances, cogeneration, thermal insulation of buildings, solar water heating and wind power generation are politically set priorities for the energy sector development. Combined information allows the conclusion that the energy policy framework in Tunisia forms a positive environment to increase energy efficiency and the share of renewable energies. The reduction of fossil energy consumption in large energy consuming industries is an important element of the national strategy, as much as the encouragement of IGCELec to install wind parks in order to produce electricity.

In February 2009, Tunisia adopted two support programs as a response to the world financial crisis targeted at increasing the competitiveness of companies (250 mio. €) and supporting the improvement of infrastructure (270 mio. €). To what extent the programs will influence the energy and power policies and market is unknown as of today. Support mechanisms include a net-metering policy for small-scale grid connected renewable energy projects which allows feeding excess electricity to the grid. The excess electricity is postponed to the next electricity bill if the balance of the producer is positive (production more than consumption). Even though support policies have been established there are no public competive bidding for the development of large-scale private RE projects, no long-term power purchase agreements and no feed-in tariffs for RE.

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Framework Conditions for Renewable Energies

Strategies and Objectives for Renewable Energies

Tunis has set itself ambitious targets regarding renewable energies and RE are given a prominent role in Tunisian energy policy. National energy policy has focused on wind energy even though solar power potentials are excellent. Promotion of renewabele energies such as financial incentives, including tax reductions and a strategie to improve energy efficiency has been helped to implement RE projects in recent years.

In 2008, Tunisia’s National Agency for Energy Conservation released the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Plan. Besides contributing to the above mentioned 10 % target, this program is expected to result in a 20 % reduction of energy demand by 2011. The main renewable capacity developments are expected to be 180 MW of wind energy installed by 2011. Both goals could not be achieved since RE accounted only 6% of the total amount of all energy in 2012 and only 154 MW wind has been installed yet. Tunisia has signed the statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in April 2009. Energy policy also in regard to renewable energies and energy efficiency is drafted mainly in the »Four Year Programme for Energy Management 2008 – 2011«. Expected consequences of this strategy are: a reduction of the subsidies granted by the State to the energy sector (in 2007, Egypt and Tunisia announced a plan to phase out energy subsidies), a reduction of CO2 emissions and future profits from the Clean Development Mechanisms.

The Tunisian Solar Plan of 2009 set various target for wind and solar power. Till 2016 Tunisa plans to install 1000 MW of solar and wind power which account for a RE share of 11%. By 2030 the RE share should rise to 25%. The target this year is 4700 MW. At the moment the plan is being updated.

Energy efficiency is recognized as important and is being addressed in energy policies. Public interventions via financial support from the state budget and the mobilization of international financial resources have been decisive in the development of energy conservation in Tunisia. A strategic study for EE is currently under preperation and the government will adopt the third energy program with EE targat (2012-2016) based on this study.

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Legal Conditions and Support Schemes for Renewable Energies

The legal conditions are based on Law No. 2004-72 and its modification in 2009: Law No. 2009-7. Law No. 2004-72 on the rational use of energy defines the sensible use of energy as a national priority and as the most important element of a sustainable development policy. It states three principal goals: energy saving, the promotion of renewable energy and the substitution of forms of energy previously used, wherever this offers technical, economic and ecological benefits. Article 14 lists four areas in the field of renewable energy which are to be treated as priority areas of a national promotion program:

1. Expansion of wind power for electricity generation
2. Introduction of incentives for the use of solar thermal energy
3. Use of solar energy for further electrification of rural areas, irrigation and seawater desalination
4. Encouragement of the greater use of production residuesn for energy generation and of geothermal sources and small-scale hydropower plants.

Law No. 2009-7 modified the legal conditions designed in 2004 in several aspects. Autoproducers in the industrial or tertiary sector who install cogeneration facilities for their own use may now use STEG’s grid in order to transport their electricity from the site of supply to the site of consumption. Excess electricity can be sold to STEG.
Autoproducers in the industrial, tertiary or agricultural sector, who use renewable energies, have the same rights of installation, transport and excess sales. The same regulation applies to all autoproducers from renewable energy sources who feed into the low voltage grid. The exact conditions for the transport, the selling of excess energy and the respective upper limits are to be fixed in decree 2009-362. Furthermore, investments that are realized within the framework of ANME’s responsibility, which includes renewable energies, can also benefit from special, favourable conditions if they conclude a contract with ANME in which all technical, economic and financial aspects are fixed. Decree 2009-362 fixes the special conditions which apply to investments that are made within the field of action of ANME, thus including the use of renewable energies.
Support schemes to promote the implementation of renewable energies and energy efficiency measures available in Tunisia consists of two groups of instruments: direct financial incentives and tax incentives. Capital subsidies, grants, or rebates (once-off payments by the government or utility) are available for the energy and power market. The support is available for energy audits and implementation of EE measures. In addition, the direct financial incentives are aimed at the installation of car engine checkup stations; water heating by solar energy in the residential sector and in private enterprises; energy substitution of natural gas by renewable energies in the industrial and residential sector. The support for solar water heating includes allowances amounting to 20 % of the cost of the solar collectors, with a maximum of one hundred (100) TND (=55 €) for each square metre, directly disbursed to the supplier after installation of the equipments concerned. Further financial schemes applicable to the energy and power market are the National Fund for EE and RE of 2005 and the PROMO-ISOL program financed by the National Fund for Energy Conservation (FNME). However, according to sources in the country, currently PROMO-ISOL is still at the planning stage. Finally, the »National Fund for Energy Conservation« (FNME), subject of Law N° 2005-106, dated 19 December 2005 offers financial resources for supporting energy conservation and renewable energy investments in Tunisia based on the granting of allowances. Furthermore, tax incentives are in place for energy conservation and renewable energy projects.

The tax incentives are:

• Reduction of customs duties to the minimum rate of 10 % (from a general rate of 18 %) and exemption from VAT for imported equipment used in the field of energy conservation or of renewable energies, for which no similar equipment is manufactured locally;
• Reduction of customs duties and exemption from VAT for imported raw materials and semi-finished products entering in the production of equipment used in the field of energy conservation or of renewable energies;
• Exemption from VAT for locally manufactured raw materials and semi-finished products entering in the production of equipment used in the field of energy conservation or of renewable energies;
• Exemption from VAT for equipments manufactured locally and used in the field of energy conservation or of renewable energies.

Financial incentives have been significantly expanded with Décret 2009-362, mainly RE in agriculture, PV systems, biogas plants, etc. Policies of renewable portfolios (obligations or quota policies regarding renewable generation), public competitive bidding for fixed renewable capacity, investment tax credits, production tax credits, net metering, tradable renewable energy certificates are currently not applied in Tunisia.

Currently the following financial incentives are available for RE projects:

• 30% Of investment with a maximum of 150TND/m² PV: 40% Of investment with a maximum of 20000TND/project for the agricultural sector and rural uses (lighting and water pumping for irrigation). Solar roofs: 30% Of investment with a maximum amount of 15000 DT/project.
• Biogas (agricultural sector): 40% Of investment with a maximum of 20000TND/project for biogas production only. 20% Of investment with a maximum of 100000TND/project for biogas production intended to electricity production. 20% Of investment with a maximum of 100000TND/project for biogas production intended to electricity production.
• Projects realized by RE auto-producers: 20% Of investment costs with a maximum that depends on the annual energy consumption level (100 kDT- 200 kDT or 250 kDT).

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Clean Development Mechanism

Tunisia has ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2003. The Tunisian DNA is located at the Directorate General for the Environment and Quality of Life of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. But although the institutional framework for CDM projects in Tunisia is generally in place now, personnel capacity, competency and expertise at the involved actors still need to be improved in some cases. No specific legislation has been adopted for CDM projects. Another barrier for the use of CDM is that no legal and fiscal framework for the transfer of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) has been established so far. In addition, public institutions or state-owned enterprises have been the main project developers so far; the private sector has hardly been engaged, mainly due to a lack of information on the advantages of the CDM. In order to overcome these problems, the Ministry for Industry, Energy and SME together with ANME published a guide on CDM in the energy sector in 2009, providing background information on the Kyoto Protocol, the CDM in general and on energy related CDM projects in particular. Relatively few consultants exist in Tunisia who are able to support CDM project developers, however, training measures are conducted by several institutions. A list of consultants can be found in GTAI’s publications. In 2006, Tunisia announced ambitious plans to host CDM projects; as of today, actual project development lags far behind. So far, Tunisia hosts only two CDM projects with Italy as the partner country. Both projects were registered in 2006 and are landfill gas recovery and flaring projects. However, there is one CDM project activity currently under validation in the field of renewable energies. In this case, not a single project is developed but a programme of activities (PoA) that bundles the installations of solar water heaters in Tunisian households under the PROSOL programme. The above mentioned guide on CDM contains a list of projects with an approved Project Idea Note (PIN). Altogether, these 76 projects account for emission reductions of 107 600 kt CO2 of which 7 445 are attributed to wind projects and 13 714 to renewable energy projects in general. The wind projects, listed in table 9, together represent the installation of 198 MW.

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International Donor Activities

The UNDP runs several projects in the field of energy and environment. The project »Renforcement des capacités des Task Forces (IGCE et cogénération) pour la mise en oeuvre de la stratégie de maîtrise de l’énergie en Tunisie« with a total budget of 786,976 US$ (2005 – 2008) in cooperation with ANME and GTZ with significant influence on the energy sector development. The African Development Bank Group realized two major projects in the Tunisian Energy sector. The »Projet d’assainissement, de restructuration, et développement des réseaux de distribution« to support distribution and electrification plans stated in 2002. In 2003 the bank launched a second project »Assainissement des réseaux de distribution d’électricité« with similar goals. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) a public private alliance providing grant for environmental projects is active in Tunisia in the field of renewable energies and especially wind energy. In 2001, the project »Promotion of increased use of wind energy in Tunisia« (both on- and off-grid wind energy) has been started with a budget of 1.1 mio €. In May 2009, another project was signed on »Private Sector Led Development of On-Grid Wind Power in Tunisia«. Since 1975, GTZ has been active in Tunisia on behalf of the German Government. The two priority areas for GIZ in Tunisia are economic promotion and environmental protection. The latter includes a programme on the promotion of renewable energies and energy efficiency. This programme aims at strengthening ANME´s role in the energy sector, promoting private sector involvement inter alia via Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and developing instruments to promote and finance renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. In November 2003, UNDP decided to implement a project with GEF assistance under the title »Development of On-Grid Wind Electricity in Tunisia for the 10th Plan«, which was designed to run for eight years. The project began in 2004 and is being executed in cooperation with GTZ. Within the framework of this project, which targets the large-scale exploitation of wind energy, it is planned that private investment of more than US$ 100 million should be funneled into the wind sector. The funds provided by GEF amount to US$ 10.25 million. The share of assistance contributed by GTZ within the project as a whole consists of site analysis, consultancy services to the Tunisian Government on matters relating to grid integration, tariff structuring and preparation of and backup support for the bidding procedure. In addition, GTZ aims at ensuring that a high quota of local value generation is achieved by providing technical assistance to domestic manufacturers. Spanish, French and Japanese development agencies show interest or have invested in the Tunisian energy sector. The French Development Agency (AFD) is contributing financially to the PME program (quatrième programme de mise à niveau des entreprises – PME, see section 1.5). Another example is the co-funding of the Tunisian Wind Atlas by the Spanish development agency.

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Business Climate

Currently the state-owned STEG operates and manages the only existing wind farm in Tunisia (Sidi Daoud). For further wind power development, the government is aiming at the private sector, particularly international investors. Foreign investments can be made without national holdings requirements. Private investment, however, is not permitted in all areas, or may require authorization. The banking system is described as weak, investment propensity in the private sector as low. The legal system is characterized as being in need of reform. Trading between Tunisia and the EU has been facilitated by the Euro-Mediterranean customs union which came into force in January 2008 between Tunisia and the EU. An association treaty has been signed by Tunisia and the EU as a first step towards a Euro-Mediterranean free trade zone planned for 2010. Apart from that, Tunisia is conducting negotiations with the USA concerning a bilateral free trade area. For the yield of Tunisia’s wind energy this means Europe will become energy export destination (e.g. through the planned 400 kV offshore cable linking Tunesia with Italy). To improve the investment climate in 1996, the Tunisian government has launched the »Programme de Mise à Niveau«(PMN). This program includes subsidies for investments and tax reductions for industry and international cooperation projects (e. g. of the European Commission, AFD, GTZ, KFW) to enhance their competitiveness. Decentralized projects are mentioned to be of special interest, which seems to suit wind farm developments. The access to further information on support structures eligible to wind energy developments can be through the »Agence Promotion de l´Industrie«, under the Ministry of Industry, Energy and PME. Prerequisites for an application are: presence in Tunisia for at least two years, potential for growth and sound pattern of finance. If approved by the »Bureau de Mise à Niveau« enterprises are supported by investment incentives of up to 25 % of their project investments and up to 15 years of exemption from taxation. Further, the government is implementing a banking reform by establishing a new Investment Code. The main focus is the promotion of direct investments from abroad. Additionally, the government seeks to reduce bureaucratic hurdles in this context. Improved investment conditions and lower bureaucratic hurdles will increase the chance of further investments form Europe and elsewhere to harvest and trade the proven wind energy potentials. Education in the sector of renewable energy takes place in Tunisian institutes such as the Tunis International Centre for Environmental Technologies (CITET) and the Research and Technology Center of energy (CRTEn). The CITET was founded in 1996 to promote environmental technologies. It is answerable to the Tunisian Ministry of the Environment. In addition to providing a range of advisory and training services it also offers laboratory and development capacity. A library and an extensive online presence serve the purpose of documenting and disseminating information relating to environmental matters. The CITET is involved in numerous cooperation projects, including international projects. Together with the CITET and two other German partners, the GTZ is running the IHK / GTZ Company Pool on Environmental Technology in Tunis, which supports small and medium-sized European companies from the environmental technology sector in gaining access to the market in Tunisia and other Maghreb countries. The CRTEn was founded in 2005. It is part of the Borj-Cédria Technopole representing its energy department. At the CRTEn research, innovation and training activities are conducted in the field of energy technologies, including renewable energy. Currently there is no wind energy industry in Tunisia. However, the Canadian consulting company Hélimax compiled an economic study on possibilities of establishing such an industry in Tunisia, which also includes a training manual on wind energy and a baseline study for a CDM project in the wind sector.

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Further Information

• Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Tunisia

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References

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